“Forgive. But Never Forget.” Last known Holocaust Survivor in Indiana to speak in Paulding
PAULDING, OHIO – “Where is the God of Corrie Ten Boom? I do not want that God.” These were the thoughts of a young teenager during a time in our world’s history that many would choose to want to forget. As part of the Centennial Celebration series, the Paulding County Carnegie Library presents an evening with William “Bill” Meyer, the last known Holocaust survivor in the state of Indiana. This special event will be held on Thursday, May 16th at 6:00 p.m. at the Extension Building on Fairgrounds Road.
Bill Meyer, as a young boy, was inspired by his neighbor, Corrie Ten Boom, a devout Christian. Ten Boom taught Meyer that Jews, too, were God’s children and needed protection from the evil Germans. Meyer began delivering food ration cards, ID’s, false passports and other items to Jews hiding all over the area. The blonde, blue-eyed boy was rarely questioned as he rode his bicycle throughout the countryside.
After one of these trips he returned to find the Gestapo at Ten Boom’s store and found her arrested. He was also turned in by a traitor and eventually spent time in a concentration camp. His family was executed as retribution for his crime.
Mr. Meyer, a dedicated Christian, has only within the past fifteen years shared his horrific story. He told Dr. James Dobson, in a 2011 radio interview, “I did not tell my family until recently. Even my wife did not know the details. But today, people do not believe the camps existed, and it makes me angry.” Meyer shares that he can tell the words of what happened, but you cannot convey the hunger and the pain of the beatings.
“I have researched Bill Meyer’s story,” states Susan Pieper, library director. “It is heart-wrenching and a powerful testimony to the strength of Corrie Ten Boom and her mission to aid Jewish families. Mr. Meyers was an accomplice in her plan – although motivated by milk and cookies when he began at age nine. Meyer, now in his 80s, differs from Holocaust survivor Inge Aubacher, whom the library hosted a few years ago because he was not Jewish. He was from a Christian family, but his father was a Nazi and he was raised to hate the Jews.”
Do not be the person that uses a minor excuse to miss this major event. It will be life changing. All survivors of the Holocaust worldwide will be gone within a few short years. Due to the graphic nature of the speaker’s experience, this event is not recommended for children under the age of twelve. There will be an opportunity to greet Mr. Meyer at the end of the program.
Although this program is free, you must register in advance to insure a seat as space is limited. Call 419-399-2032 to reserve a spot for this once-in-a-lifetime event.
